Chapter 23—Address Before Agrippa
As Paul had appealed to Caesar, it was the duty of Festus to see that
he was sent to Rome. Some time passed, however, before a suitable
ship could be provided, and as other prisoners were to be sent with
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Paul, the consideration of their cases also occasioned some delay. This
delay gave Paul an opportunity to present the reasons of his faith before
the principal men of Caesarea, both Jews and Gentiles, and also before
the last of the Herods who bore the title of Jewish kings.
“After certain days King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea,
to salute Festus.” Knowing that Agrippa was well versed in the laws
and customs of the Jews, Festus during this visit called his attention
to the case of Paul, as a prisoner left in bonds by Felix. Agrippa’s
interest was aroused by the account which Festus gave of the case, and
he expressed a desire to see and hear Paul for himself. Accordingly the
next day was fixed upon as the time for such an interview. Paul was
not now to defend himself before a new tribunal, but merely to gratify
the curiosity of a private audience; to furnish an hour’s entertainment
for the procurator’s distinguished guests, and for an invited company
representing the wealth and nobility of Caesarea. The chief officers of
the army were to be present, and also the leading citizens of the town,
and Festus determined to make it an occasion of the most imposing
display, in honor of his visitors.
In all the pomp and splendor of royalty, Agrippa and Bernice
went to the audience-room, attended by a train of followers in the
costly apparel of Eastern display. Proudly the haughty ruler with
his beautiful sister swept through the assembly, and seated himself
by the procurator’s side. At his command, Paul, still manacled as a
prisoner, was led in, and the king gazed with cold curiosity upon him,
now bowed and pale from sickness, long imprisonment, and continual
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anxiety.
What a contrast was there presented! Agrippa and Bernice were
destitute of the traits of character which God esteems. They were
transgressors of his law, corrupt in heart and in life. God and angels
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